By Douglas Gillison, Suzanne McGee and Michelle Price
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Cryptocurrency executives drank cocktails and danced to rap superstar Snoop Dogg on Friday night as they celebrated the impending inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, whose administration has promised major changes in cryptocurrency policy.
After years of confronting Washington policymakers, executives from crypto companies including Crypto.com, Kraken and Exodus celebrated at the first-ever Crypto Inauguration Ball held at the Andrew W Auditorium . Mellon, aged 90, under an imposing 62 feet (19 meters).
Dressed in black tie and ball gowns, guests enjoyed miniature lobster rolls and Trump’s favorite McDonald’s (NYSE:) burgers and fries, according to social media posts and two attendees who spoke to Reuters. In addition to Snoop Dogg, the entertainment lineup included rappers Rick Ross and Soulja Boy, attendees said.
One of several celebrations in Washington before Trump is sworn in Monday, the crypto gala marks a stunning turnaround for an industry that was in the crosshairs of the Biden administration. Two years ago, it seemed on the verge of extinction due to the collapse of FTX.
Trump, who did not attend the gala, has courted crypto campaign money by promising to be a “crypto president,” and is expected to issue executive orders next week aimed at reducing regulatory barriers to crypto and promote widespread adoption of digital assets.
“There were a lot of dark years,” said Les Borsai, co-founder of crypto investment advisor Wave Digital Assets, who arrived from Los Angeles. “If this means what the future is going to look like…I think that’s the optimism we’ve been waiting for.”
The loot included red “Make Great Again” baseball caps and American flag pins with the symbol from Gemini, an event sponsor and crypto exchange founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, who supported Trump’s campaign.
EXHAUSTED
Tickets sold for $2,500 each for general admission, the ball’s website said, but for as little as $100,000, VIP packages offered a face-to-face meeting with tech entrepreneur David Sacks, Trump’s new crypto czar and…
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